MSI Summit MS321UP 4K Monitor Review

Rating: 7.5.

If you're not buying a monitor for gaming, you will have different needs and won't want to pay for the features that entertainment applications require. A high resolution, decently sized panel will still be high on the list, but not a fast refresh or rapid pixel response. Setup features and image quality will be more important. These are all areas where the MSI Summit MS321UP promises strong capabilities. MSI claims it will be your “window on the world”, but a world that is business and productivity related.

The MSI MS321UP looks good on paper for more serious activities. While the refresh maxes out at 60Hz, this is a 32in screen with a 4K UHD resolution (3,840 x 2,160). It's an IPS panel, too, so has the typical 4ms grey-to-grey pixel response of this technology but promises high colour accuracy. Also typical is the 1,000:1 contrast, although MSI doesn't state the brightness in the specification. The company does claim 136 per cent sRGB colour gamut, however, alongside 95 per cent DCI-P3.

There is a good range of video input options as well, including USB-C alongside DisplayPort and two HDMI ports. The USB-C input works alongside the three-port USB hub, enabling KVM functionality through a single cable for notebook users. There's also a USB Type B connection for alternative upstream hub connectivity. There is a minijack microphone input as well as output, but you will need to add your own webcam for videoconferencing, and speakers are not built in, although there are microphones on the front bezel. Ergonomic adjustment includes raising, swivelling and tilting.

There are also some extra OSD features and a hood to help out design professionals in particular. So on paper this could be a great screen for business users with a content creation slant. But it's also not cheap, coming in just below £700. While 4K screens still command a premium, that's quite a lot of money. Does the MSI Summit MS321UP live up to its pricing? Let's find out.

Specification:

• Screen size: 32-inch, 16:9 aspect
• Native resolution: 3,840 x 2,160
• Curvature: No
• Refresh rate: 60Hz, AMD FreeSync
• Panel type: IPS
• Contrast ratio: 1,000:1 (typical)
• Brightness: Not stated
• Response time: 4ms Grey to Grey
• Display inputs: HDMI 2.0b x 2, DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, USB-C x 1
• USB hub: Yes, Type B or USB-C input x 2, 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 outputs
• Tilt: 5 degrees forward, 20 degrees backward
• Raise: 100mm
• Swivel: 35 degrees left or right
• Portrait: No
• Other: Audio output minijack, audio input, SD card reader

Retail Price: £699.98 (inc. VAT)

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